Field Activities

Treasure Hunt (Obstacle Course)

Yo-Ho-Ho! Any pirate will tell ye that the most important thing is looting treasure. This treasure hunt will consist of completing daring challenges to return with the loot. Such challenges were a mainstay to prove one’s worth as a pirate. Teams will compete to get the quickest time.

Pirate Ship Races (Rain Gutter Regatta)

Come About and Give Chase! On every pirate ship is a captain that says they have the fastest ship. In this challenge, ye have a chance to prove it. Pirate ships will be placed head-to-head to prove once and for all who is the best around the seven seas.

Run a Shot Across the Bow (Archery)

Shiver me timbers! As a pirate tries to collect a bounty from another ship, a warning shot is fired across the bow. The archery event will be held at the archery range. Everyone will get a chance to shoot archery. The total points earned per unit will be divided by the number of shooters to get a unit average.

Taking Aim (BB Guns)

Avast Ye! On a pirate ship, cannons were cumbersome and hard to use. Muskets were easier to use. However, the only had one shot. Prove ye no scallywags and can hit the target. Everyone will get a chance to shoot BB guns. The total points earned per unit will be divided by the number of shooters to get a unit average.

Cannon Ball Blast (Tennis Ball Launcher)

Fire in the Hole! Any pirate worth their mettle would use cannons to protect their ship, or to attack another ship. All pirates will shoot cannon balls into targets to earn points. Points will be averaged per unit. Show that you have what it takes to stay away from Davy Jones’ locker.

Swab the Deck

All Hands on Deck! What pirate captain doesn’t want a clean galley? Show your captain that you have what it takes to maintain a tip-top shape ship. Pirate crews will use a sponge to move water from a bucket in the aft and then move to the stern to fill another bucket to the line.

Setting Sail

Hoist the Main Sail! Whether it be staysail, jib sail, or the mainsail, the success of any pirate ship depends on ye ability to work the sails. In this challenge, ye shall prove that ye are no scallywag by demonstrating ye command of the sails. Working together as a team, each crew will move a ball around the rim of a parachute while holding on to the outside handles.

Spirit Award

The Spirit Award will be given to the unit that shows the most Cub Scout Spirit throughout Cuboree. Cuboree is a weekend camping event, so there is an advantage to units camping for the BIG award; however, Saturday only participants that display enough spirit could earn the award! What the event staff is looking for:

• Pack spirit throughout the entire weekend
• Good sportsmanship
• Displaying the theme through the campsite (e.g., pirate flags, chants)
• Attendance at all gatherings and events (i.e., opening and closing flags, ceremonies, competitions)
• Enthusiasm!

Have fun and encourage Scouts to show their Scout spirit!

Pirate Flag

All packs should make Pirate Flags that will go with them throughout the day. The Pirate Flag should represent the cuboree theme and must be made by the Scouts before arrival. The Pirate Flag may be made from any material (except sheet paper) and may be any size and/or shape but should not exceed 30 inches in height or width. The Pirate Flag should be carried to each location and brought to the campfire/Treasure Island.

Scoring:

Interfaith Service

An interfaith service will be conducted for all participants on Sunday morning. An interfaith service is a brief worship or meditation, specifically designed for Scouting events where there may be members of more than one faith group. The intention of an interfaith service is to provide a spiritual focus during a camping experience that does not reflect the views of a particular denomination or faith. An interfaith service can be defined as a gathering of Scouts held to contribute to the development of their spirituality and to promote a fuller understanding of the Scout Oath and Law, with emphasis on one’s Duty to God.

Check-in / Required Forms

The designated unit leader will check-in at Safari Room in the Administration Building (approximately one mile past the main gate on the left) to check-in their pack or troop. Check-in lines can be long, so please be patient.

**Please have two binders with the following mandatory paperwork in order, as noted below, and in alphabetical order by registrant. Registration will keep one binder and the other binder is to be kept in your campsite for inspection.**

1. Doubleknot email registration confirmation
2. Youth Protection Training Certificate. Every adult leader attending must provide a copy of a current Youth Protection Training Certificate YC06-0014.
3. Hazardous Weather Training Certificate.  One adult per unit or troop (or individual registrants) must provide a current (taken within the last 2-years) Hazardous Weather Training Certificate.
4. BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A&B). Every attendee must provide a copy of their BSA Annual Health and Medical Record.  Parts A and B are required and must be completed within the previous 12 months.

Two Deep Leadership

Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required for every pack at all times. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth. Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age- and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.

For Lions and Tigers (kindergarteners and 1st graders), an adult/guardian must accompany them at all times.

Every pack that attends must be under the supervision of its own adult leadership at all times.  The pack leaders are in charge of the pack at all times and responsible for the discipline and organization of the pack.  It is never the camp staff’s task to take over your role as leader of your unit. (Leadership Requirements; Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs) 

Cracker Barrel

A cracker barrel is an evening snack and time for fellowship with other Scouts or Scouters. The term cracker barrel is most thought to come from the time when people would shop at their local general store and gather around the cracker barrel to sit and visit with others in the community, much like the modern-day water cooler. The food is typically kept simple, such as cheese and crackers, summer sausage, chips and cookies. On campouts, many troops have a Friday night cracker barrel with the leaders and youth leadership to review the weekend schedule.

A cracker barrel will be held on Friday night. A representative from each unit is invited to a special cracker barrel where last-minute information and changes will be communicated.  Please bring a cup and pen.

Leave No Trace

Instilling values in young people and preparing them to make moral and ethical choices throughout their lifetime is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. Leave No Trace helps reinforce that mission, and reminds us to respect the rights of other users of the outdoors as well as future generations. Appreciation for our natural environment and a knowledge of the interrelationships of nature bolster our respect and reverence toward the environment and nature. Leave No Trace is an awareness and an attitude rather than a set of rules. It applies in your backyard or local park as much as in the backcountry. We should all practice Leave No Trace in our thinking and actions–wherever we go.

The principles of Leave No Trace might seem unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. All participants are asked to follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace. 

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

All council camp policies and BSA's Guide to Safe Scouting policies must be followed and all Scouting activities be conducted in a safe and prudent manner including the Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities. 

Youth Protection

All leadership (parents and leaders) must complete Youth Protection Training prior to attending camp. Training can be completed online at my.scouting.org.

The BSA has adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of its members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. All parents and caregivers should understand that our leaders are to abide by these safeguards. All adults attending must follow these guidelines with all youth.

No One-on-One Contact

One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted.  In situations that require a personal conference; the meeting is to be conducted in view of others.  Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in all situations and intrude only to the extent that health and safety requires. Scout campers must extend the same courtesy.

Tenting

In Cub Scouts, parents and guardians may share a tent with their families. There are to be no exceptions. Spouses may share tents. (Source)

Camp Visitors

Visitors must check-in at the camp office to sign in. Visitors are subject to all youth protection guidelines above.

Buddy System

All Scouts should be instructed on the proper use of the Buddy System prior to arrival. The Buddy System must be used at all times.  There are to be no exceptions.  Any Scout found to not be using the Buddy System will be stopped and the unit leader will be contacted.  The Scout will not be allowed to continue until a buddy is available.

Vehicles and Parking

• The health, safety, and well-being of our members, volunteers, and parents is paramount.  The number one cause of fatalities, injuries, and insurance claims throughout the BSA involves vehicles in camps.  Rules and policies are in place to reduce potential hazards and events and to help ensure everyone has an enjoyable time.  Please review the policies below so that you are aware and do your part to reduce hazards and ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• No parking or driving on the grass. Any vehicle found to be parked on the grass is subject, at the camp ranger’s discretion, to be towed at the owner’s expense.  Anyone that is witnessed to be driving on the grass may, at the camp ranger’s discretion, be asked to leave.
• Please obey posted speed limits.  Anyone that is witnessed to be driving above posted speed limits or in an unsafe manner may, at the camp ranger’s discretion, be asked to leave.
• The camp ranger has sole authority over these decisions.  Cuboree staff are not able to and will not interfere in these decisions.
• Each vehicle will receive a parking pass that must be filled out and placed visibly on the dash of the vehicle.
• There is limited parking in front of the campsites.  In the event there are not available parking spots at your campsite, unload your vehicle and park it in the administration building / dining hall parking lot.  Do not park at another campsite. 
• Vehicles parked at the campsites will not be allowed to move after lights out/taps on Friday evening and Roads A and B will be blocked.  If a vehicle will need to leave before checkout on Sunday morning, it should be parked in the administration building / dining hall parking lot.
• Seatbelts must be worn at all times.
• It is against BSA policy for ANYONE to ride in the back of a pickup truck or in a trailer. There is to be no transporting of people in the back of pickups or in trailers.
• Use of electronic devices while driving within the camp is prohibited.  While driving on camp roads care must be taken to avoid pedestrians.
• No RVs, ATVs are allowed. Bicycles may be ridden around camp on roadways and gravel paths. Do not ride on sidewalks.  Helmets must be worn at all times by youth and adults riding bicycles around camp.

Tobacco Products

Smoking is not allowed around the Scouts. Per the Guide to Safe Scouting, smoking or vaping by youth at any Scouting event shall not be tolerated.

"An important way adult leaders can model healthy living is by following the policies on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Leaders should support the attitude that they, as well as youths, are better off without tobacco in any form and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems that simulate tobacco smoking. All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all participants. As outlined in the Scouter Code of Conduct, Scouting activities are not a place to possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations, and policies: alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana. In addition, the Code of Conduct specifies that if you are taking prescription medications with the potential of impairing any functioning or judgment, you will not engage in activities that would put Scouts at risk, including driving or operating equipment."

Smoking by adults is not permitted in any tent, pavilion or building. Smoking is also not permitted in the dining hall at any time. While we highly discourage smoking while in camp, adults who choose to do so in the designated areas and must not smoke within sight of any youth. Moreover, in the event of a burn ban, smoking may be prohibited on the property. Please check with the camp director to determine whether such a burn ban is in place.

For the purposes of this Cuboree, the camp director has defined the designated smoking area as the person’s own vehicle with the windows rolled up.  Further, this vehicle must be parked at the Administration / Dining Hall parking lot.  There are to be no exceptions and anyone found to be violating the camp smoking policy will be asked to leave.

Alcohol / Controlled Substances

In accordance with the national policy of the Boy Scouts of America, alcohol and illegal drugs are not permitted on camp property.  Discover of these items will result in immediate dismissal from the property.  Moreover, anyone found to be in possession of any illegal substance on camp property has committed a trespass and is subject to arrest.

Firearms

Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by a license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter camp property with a concealed handgun.

Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter camp property with a handgun that is carried openly.

NO PERSONAL Firearms and ammunition are allowed on camp property.  All program supplies needed are available at the camp for use in the Shooting Sports area.  Personal bows, shotguns, and other firearms are not allowed on camp property.

Campfires

Wood-fueled campfires can be built in the campsites, but should only be built in camp-supplied fire pits. No other ground fires should be built. Fires must be attended at all tunes by an adult and is to be extinguished before departing the campsite for events or evening activities.

Units will need to bring their own firewood. There is no firewood available at the camp. All firewood brought to camp must also leave with you, including partially burnt firewood.

Campsite fire rings are not designed for large bonfires. keep fires contained and flames less than two feet above the ground. Depending on the weather, a fire ban may be active during the camping weekend. Fire bans are issued by the County Fire Marshal and the camp staff cannot override that decision. If a fire ban is in force during the weekend, no open fires will be allowed.

All campfire rings are to be cleaned out before departing on Sunday. Any material left in the fire ring is required to be cleaned out.

Each campsite will have a 5-gallon fire bucket to be filled with water and kept by the fire at all times. This is mandatory.

Lanterns and Stoves

Propane-fueled lanterns and stoves may be used under adult supervision. Liquid-fueled equipment using fuels such as Coleman fuel, kerosene, or white gas are specifically prohibited. There should never be any open flames in a tent. Tent light should be provided where necessary by flashlight or battery-powered lanterns.

Insects and Poisonous Plants

As always, be prepared to defend yourselves against mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks. Be prepared to treat fire ant bites and poison ivy.

Weather

All dens must be fully prepared for the weather conditions typical for this time of the year. It will rain, shine, be sunny, and cold all in the same weekend. Please bring enough clothing to be as comfortable as possible.

Thunderstorms or Tornadoes

When threatening weather occurs, all persons in campsites should go to the nearest restroom building or their vehicles (lighting only). All persons in a program area should move to the nearest building or structure.

Medical

Minor medical attention: All units should have in their camp a first aid kit to address minor medical needs. In the event medical attention is required beyond basic Scout/leader rendered First Aid, said individual should be transported by their parent/guardian or other (2-deep) adult leadership to a local health care facility. Any individual leaving camp to seek outside medical attention needs to report to the Safari Room in the administrative building before departing or have another adult leader from the unit report to Safari Room.

The nearest 24-Hour Care facility is in Navasota:

Grimes St. Joseph Health Center
210 South Judson Street
Navasota, Texas 77868
(936) 825-6585
For major emergencies: CALL 911, then call the camp ranger.

Incident Reporting

Any incident that requires the intervention of medical personnel, involves emergency responders, or results in a response beyond Scout-rendered first aid must be reported. Near miss incidents (does not result in injury, illness, or damage by definition, but it had the potential to do so) should also be reported.

Fire

Ensure that all people are evacuated from the fire area and in a safe area. Sound alarm by yelling “FIRE” and notify Camp Management immediately. Local fire authorities will be called to fight the fire.

• Because of the age of the Scouts, it is not recommended that any fire-fighting action take place. Remove yourself and others from harm’s way and notify Camp staff.
• Move Cub Scouts and family members to a safe location away from fire danger, usually in the parking lot in front of the campsite. Ensure that all members of your unit are accounted for and that they remain together and calm.
• In an emergency, the central alarm will be sounded (siren blown continuously for 3 minutes) to warn camp. Camp staff personnel will be dispatched to campsites to give further instructions.
• Be prepared to mobilize to a safe location.
• 3 short blasts of the siren will signal the all-clear. Announcements will also communicate the all-clear.